Mifi USB Charging Cable

J

JoseQuervo

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Is there any harm in using a different USB charging cable for the Mifi? For example, could I damage the device by plugging it into my PC USB with the Galaxy S4 USB cable? Unsure if any current/voltage difference could harm the device.

Sorry for the n00b question
 
I used different cables as well, charged it from a PC/laptop/Samsung/Blackberry charger... no issues yet...
 
If it does blow up it would mean they swapped the pins which the 5 volts comes in on which would be a daft thing to do.
 
The_Librarian said:
I used different cables as well, charged it from a PC/laptop/Samsung/Blackberry charger... no issues yet...
Click to expand...

Just check the current output on some of the chargers. I know some of the older Nokia chargers push out way more amps than the newer ones (1.4A vs 0.7A) and I have heard some horror stories.
 
froot said:
Just check the current output on some of the chargers. I know some of the older Nokia chargers push out way more amps than the newer ones (1.4A vs 0.7A) and I have heard some horror stories.
Click to expand...

What sort of horror stories?

Just because a device can deliver up to 1.4A doesn't mean it always does so, it depends on the resistance of the load as well as the voltage. As long as the voltage is correct you'll be perfectly safe using a charger with a higher than required current rating.
 
froot said:
Just check the current output on some of the chargers. I know some of the older Nokia chargers push out way more amps than the newer ones (1.4A vs 0.7A) and I have heard some horror stories.
Click to expand...

Eeek, I've been charging everything from cellphone , remotes , mifi with an old Nokia cable. So far no smoke yet :)

Maybe you meant the actual charger you plug into the wall, not the cable you plug into your PC ?
 
All USB data cables and DC adapters offer 5 Volts, Amperage can vary greatly. In terms of charging your device higher amperage means faster charging, but shorter overall battery lifespan, lower amperage means longer charging, but longer overall battery lifespan.

Either way, you're not doing your device any harm whatsoever.
 
There is a voltage regulator in the device. All a higher current charger will allow is the maximum current let through by the regulator. It won't necessarily shorten the battery life as it will be designed with the maximum permissible current as suggested by the battery manufacturer.

The problem can arise when you replace the OEM battery with a generic one. It might not have the same characteristics
 
Dan C said:
Eeek, I've been charging everything from cellphone , remotes , mifi with an old Nokia cable. So far no smoke yet :)

Maybe you meant the actual charger you plug into the wall, not the cable you plug into your PC ?
Click to expand...

Yes, of course I mean the wall charger. That's what I said :D

Yes, it's supposed to be regulated by the device, but still oopsies happen. It's been more common among the S3 and S4 though. Also, there's two Nokia chargers at home. One 0.8A, another 1.4A.
 
You can melt thin tracks with ease with 1 amp, which is what the rear USB port will give you. Feel the device 10 mins after connecting it to the power. If it is very warm, take it out for 30 mins and try again. This will assist the battery to recover

I have seen laptop batteries get so hot the plastic starts to smell
 
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